Six Flags Great Adventure Worker Killed in Tragic Accident

Sep 8, 2017

The devastating accident that occurred at the Ohio State Fair this July has caused many of us to reevaluate how safe we are while attending a theme park. Although ride accidents appear to be on the downswing, they occur nonetheless and can have devastating, even fatal, consequences. We often think about the safety of our friends and family who may be attending these attractions, but do we need to worry about the workers at these parks too? Another tragic amusement park accident at Six Flags Great Adventure shows us that amusement park workers may be at risk, too.

If you or a loved one has been injured at a theme park, while visiting or while working, an experienced attorney can help. The national amusement park injury attorneys at Reiff & Bily may be able to take your case and fight to bring you justice for your injuries. We have decades of experience handling amusement park injury cases and are committed to holding negligent parties responsible and preventing further injury. To find out what your case may be worth, call (800) 861-6708 for a free consultation with our amusement park injury lawyers.

Deadly Accident at Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure, a well-known park in Jackson, New Jersey, has been a long-time favorite among those who are looking for a fun time and a safe thrill. Heartbreakingly, the much-loved park saw a devastating accident on Wednesday, September 6th. A 19-year-old worker was struck by a truck lift while stringing lights near a fountain. He did not die immediately, but was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died soon after from his injuries.

No additional injuries from the accident were reported. The worker’s name has not been released. A spokeswoman for Six Flags commented: “We are deeply saddened by our colleague’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” She went on to say that safety is the foundation of both the company and the amusement park industry and that the park would be conducting a “comprehensive investigation.”

Workers, Not Only Riders, Are at Risk for Amusement Park Injuries

We often hear news stories about amusement park visitors being injured and even killed. Our blog has reported extensively this summer on the tragic death that occurred at the Ohio State Fair in July. However, we rarely hear about the park employees and ride operators getting hurt.

As evidenced by the tragedy at Six Flags Great Adventure, working at these parks can be as dangerous or more dangerous than visiting them. Working at these parks involves operating heavy machinery and electrical equipment, and often doing so from a very dangerous height. Making routine repairs, and especially making repairs to malfunctioning machinery, can also pose a serious threat. These rides are regularly inspected and follow strict guidelines regarding their upkeep, but unfortunately this is not enough to avoid accidents.

Injuries Suffered by Workers at Amusement Parks

Amusement park employees face the chance of a variety of on-the-job injuries. Between ride maintenance and operation, employees of amusement parks deal with large, heavy machines every day. Mechanical failure must be corrected in order to keep park patrons safe, but sometimes the ride mechanics and operators are the ones that suffer.

Many rollercoasters and other rides have many moving parts. Getting an arm or leg caught in these moving parts can mean serious crush injuries or even amputation. Since many rides run on high-voltage electrical systems, the risk of electrical burns, electrification, and electrocution are severe. Especially if rides involve high locations, the chance of sustaining serious injuries in a fall is very high.

If you are injured on the job, you may be able to sue your employer. Depending on your state’s workers’ compensation laws, you may be limited as to when you can take your case to court, so talk to an attorney about your injuries. In some cases, your employer’s serious negligence may entitle you to sue them in court, seeking high damages for serious injuries. If your loved one died working at an amusement park, you may also be able to sue for their death.

Contact an Experienced Amusement Park Injury Attorney Today

The fair ride injury attorneys at Reiff and Bily represent people who were injured at amusement parks, state fairs, carnivals, and festivals throughout the United States. If you or a loved one has been injured while working at or attending a theme park, it is essential to contact an attorney. The amusement park injury attorneys at Reiff & Bily can bring peace of mind and fight for compensation for those who were injured. Call (800) 861-6708 today for a free consultation.

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If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, our personal injury attorneys can help you fight for justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

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